Paul Kuharsky, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Prediction: Titans will lose to the Texans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans have consistently shown an inability to seize and maintain momentum, and they have played poorly late even in their one recent win, when it took a blocked field goal to beat Jacksonville.

Ryan Fitzpatrick can be a turnover machine, and I expect the Titans will take the ball away once or twice. But the Titans' 11 takeaways have been largely offset by their nine giveaways, and it's hard to see even a turnover advantage as something that would ensure a win.

Enter Zach Mettenberger, the strong-armed rookie quarterback the Titans hope can better steer Ken Whisenhunt’s offense. I expect he will bring a spark. But he and Whisenhunt like to stand in and throw it downfield. That should mean the Titans hit some big plays, but it also sets the stage for some big plays by the Texans defense.

J.J. Watt is likely to cause issues, Jadeveon Clowney might also be at work on third downs and Whitney Mercilus is another productive pass-rusher. I expect they will find a way to make the difference.

Weekly disclaimer: Unpredictability is the single biggest reason for the NFL’s popularity. No matter how closely I watch the Titans and how many people I talk to, predicating games, in my eyes, isn’t far off throwing a dart.

Prediction: Texans 23, Titans 17

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